Jump in Japan's Tin Imports

JAPAN, Jun. 17 -- Japan's imports of refined tin the January-April 2010 amounted to 10,837 tonnes, up 81% year-on-year on the same period of 2009, when the global financial crisis had resulted in a major fall in the country's manufacturing and export activity.

An analysis of the customs data by Mitsubishi Corporation Unimetals shows that Indonesia remained the major source of supply to the market, accounting for 47% of total imports. However supply constraints have led to a fall in the Indonesian share of the market from an average of 61% last year. Meanwhile the Thai and Malaysian shares of the market have risen to 34% and 15% respectively this year.